Event 5: Extra Blog

At the Coyotes in Two Directions.

I attended the exhibition, Coyotes in Two Directions by Sarah Rosalena Brady. When I entered the room, there were three pieces on each side of the room. On the left side of the room, there was a pole with balls merged together at the top. It reminded me of the rattle snake’s tail. At the middle of the room, there was a mechanism with 6 poles that hand a coyote’s finger on each. The poles moved every couple second to create new alignment. On the right side of the room were two poles, each with the feet of the coyotes. This exhibition is a new body of kinetic works, representing the idea of shapeshifting in the oldest forms of totemism and shamanism (“UCLA Design Media Arts”).

Located at the left side of the room.

Located at middle wall of room.

Located at the right side of room.

The coyotes draw from Southwest Native American philosophy (“UCLA Design Media Arts”).  Coyotes are believed to be capable of shapeshifting (Eaton). It is used as a metaphor for representing the capability of technology to transform what we see and understand. By combination of automata and the coyotes, the exhibition embodies change and the idea of novelty. Additionally, the combination of robotics and art produce new techno-hybrid form that heavily influences one another (Vesna). Instead of the commonly seen robots that have been affected by arts, this exhibition shows art that has been influenced by robotics. This exhibition’s creations are only possible with the use of automata and 3D printed parts. The practice of technology to represent the artist’s idea is begging to be commonly seen in the art world.

Sources:

1. Eaton, Joe. “Shapeshifter, Trickster, Survivor: Coyote in the Modern World -.” Bay Nature, baynature.org/article/shapeshifter-trickster-survivor-coyote-modern-world/.
2. “UCLA Design Media Arts.” UCLA Design Media Arts Full, dma.ucla.edu/events/calendar/?ID=1083.
3. Vesna, Victoria. “Robotics pt2.” YouTube, YouTube, 15 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAZ8bo9T_Pk.